Leaving Porto today on route to either Nazare or Peniche, we have had a very pleasant stay. The city provided good mooching territory where we spent a couple of days exploring the old town, which houses a labyrinth of very steep narrow streets. It is an interesting blend of old and new both splendid and shabby. At the top of the town the view is fabulous, a mass of red roof tops, which could almost be stepping stones down to the beautiful blue river below.

Took a trip into the mountains to view the vineyards, this involved a journey by train from Porto to Pinhao, we got as far as Regua (2 hour) and could go no further by train as there was some fault ahead (some things the same the world over). The ride was spectacular the mountains along the river provide the arid conditions to house the layered vineyards, which are cut in steps up the mountains. The grapes are excellent, we are obviously here at exactly the right time. The harvest, which starts in September, is still done by hand. Once harvested the grapes (which were once carried down the river) are transported by Road to Porto, where the humid conditions required for fermentation are greater.

Yesterday was spent on the beach, Kate and Molly advised that the surfing conditions were just right almost as good as Porthcawl and nearly as warm!!

Mary

Have seen and caught some huge brownish, blueish flat fish with eyes on each side (don't know what the are called) and some needle nose eels. Have also seen some starfish.

Up the mountains we had good views and saw loads of Herons.

Good body boarding waves.

Molly and Kate.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I enjoyed Porto with em ......em ......enjoyment.